EDITION 5
August 2010
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Pre-employment Training Lakes College is continuing to work closely with local employers by providing specialised support to recruit from local communities. The recent ASDA programmes carried out at Lakes College were focused on their unique 3 stage recruitment process and included communication skills, team work, customer service and company expectations. To date nearly 30% of those in the final stage have been offered employment and we are continuing to work to increase this figure. We have also recently supported recruitment for the Fish Factory Collaboration in Maryport which comprises of Brookside, Glendawn and Grants. Hopefully we will repeat our success and secure employment for up to 25 people. If you are interested in a similar recruitment scheme please contact John Woodhouse on 01946 839307 or email johnw@lcwc.ac.uk
Book Your Place Now For Our Next Employer Forum The next Lakes College Employer Forum is scheduled for the 14th October. Guest speaker Joanne Wilson from Grasmere Gingerbread will discuss how she’s built awareness of her brand and effectively marketed the product to build her successful business model. The session will include a sample of Joanne’s award winning gingerbread and incorporates a quiz, offering the chance to win a hamper from Grasmere Gingerbread. Lakes College is welcoming businesses from the local area to enjoy and learn from Joanne’s experiences. If you would like to attend please contact Dianne Richardson at Lakes College on 01946 592476 or email dianner@lcwc.ac.uk
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING Lakes College is currently recruiting apprenticeships and has fully funded starts available. An apprenticeship is a vocational training programme where skills and knowledge are developed in the workplace. An apprenticeship can commence at any time and are available in a wide variety of sectors (highlighted overleaf) If you are considering employing an apprenticeship then contact our Account Managers now to arrange a chat to discuss your options. Not convinced? Well here are few great reasons to take on an apprentice trained by Lakes College: 1
Apprentices learn at work and gain the hands-on experience needed to support your organisation in the workplace.
2
Employers also receive professional support and guidance to help your apprentice achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
3
Allows you as an employer to have a full time employee at a minimum of ÂŁ95 per week as they learn on the job
4
Plan your future company needs and have internally developed staff ready to take on more responsibility when the need arises.
5
Consider advanced apprenticeships for your current staff. Apprentices can be any age from 16 to 65.
APPRENTICESHIP COURSES Lakes college can provide apprenticeship training in the following sectors: Qualification
Level 2
Level 3
Business Admin
Yes
Yes
Brickwork
Yes
No
Child Care
Yes
Yes
Support in Teaching and Learning
Yes
Yes
Customer Service
Yes
Yes
Hairdressing
Yes
No
Health and Social Care
Yes
Yes
ITQ
Yes
No
Bench and Site Joinery
Yes
Yes
Motor Vehicle
Yes
Yes
Plumbing
Yes
Yes
Retail Level 2
Yes
No
If you would like more information on our apprenticeship programme please contact Lakes College on 01946 839300 or email info@lcwc.ac.uk
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE RATES National Minimum Wage rates are to rise from the 1st October. The minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over is set to increase to £5.93. It has also been announced that a minimum wage for Apprentices will be set for the first time.
The new National Minimum wage is to be set as follows: Workers aged 21 over: From £5.80 to £5.93
Adult minimum wage will now apply to 21 year olds where previously the qualifying age was 22.
Workers aged 18 - 20: From £4.83 to £4.92
Minimum wage for Apprentices has been fixed at £2.50 an hour. The new rate will apply to all Apprentices under 19 and for Apprentices aged 19 and over in their first year of Apprenticeship.
Workers aged 16 to 17: From £3.57 to £3.64
EMPLOYER FEEDBACK Lakes College has implemented a ‘You said we did’ campaign which aims to identify how satisfied Lakes College customers are with our performance. Please head to www.lcwc.ac.uk and click on the ‘what do you think’ link. You will be asked to complete a short survey on our provision allow us to collate data on specific issues so we can respond to the requests of our customers.
Social Networking Catch up with what’s going on at Lakes College with our Social Networking pages. Log on at Facebook, Twitter and Bebo to keep up to date with events and courses at the Lillyhall Campus and outreach centres.